Space Shuttle System progress report

The Shuttle System is being designed to routinely carry payloads of up to 29 510 kilograms into earth orbit. Manned orbital test flights are scheduled to start in 1979. The Shuttle System is to be operational in 1980. The Space Shuttle flight system and mission profile is discussed along with questions of current system configuration and the development status. Attention is given to the orbiter project, the solid rocket booster project, the external tank project, and launch and landing projects. A system verification program is also considered.